Mimicking the Pancreas: A New System for Improved Insulin Delivery for Diabetics

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) – Indian scientists have developed a silk-based hydrogel system that mimics the function of the pancreas for insulin delivery in diabetes management. The system senses low insulin in the blood and triggers its release, providing a continuous and controlled supply.

Prof T. Govindaraju from JNCASR, Bengaluru, explained, “The goal was to create a system that mimics the function of the pancreas, providing a continuous and controlled supply of insulin in response to elevated glucose levels in the body, to manage diabetes.”

The research, published in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, showed promising results in mice, with potential for human trials. The silk-based system offers a more efficient and responsive method for insulin release, addressing challenges faced by Type 1 and advanced stage Type 2 diabetes patients.

In addition to insulin delivery, the system has applications in wound healing and tissue engineering for various medical conditions. This development marks a significant breakthrough in diabetes management, offering hope for improved treatment options for individuals with diabetes.